Review by Geoff Jenke
There have been quite a few movies centred around World War Two of late. Hacksaw Ridge, Denial and Their Finest are movies all based on true stories. World War One has also had a few movies as well in Frantz and Land of Mine.
The Zoo Keepers Wife is based on the true story of Antonina Zabinska and her husband Jan who run the Warsaw zoo prior to World War Two. When Poland is invaded by the German army in 1939, Antonina and Jan are forced to report to the Third Reich’s new chief zoologist, Lutz Heck. Their animals are taken from them and so the couple fight back by taking in Jews from the Warsaw Ghetto. Jan also fights with the Resistance against the Germans. This naturally puts the family at high risk.
Based on the book written by Diane Ackerman and directed by Niki Caro (Whale Rider), The Zoo Keepers Wife is a movie worth seeing, but it is not exceptional. The sets are good and the animal scenes superb, especially seeing the animals roaming the street of Warsaw after the Zoo had been bombed.
While what this couple did in real life is outstanding, the movie doesn’t always fully explain what is going on. We know Jan is away often but there is no explanation. Then we see him fighting with the Resistance but again there is no information about what is happening.
Jessica Chastain is wonderful as Antonina Zabinska although she doesn’t quite grasp the Polish accent.
Overall the film is enjoyable, but will leave you a little confused. The animals steal the best scenes of the movie.
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